Nigerian visual artist and Leicester-based photographer John Olalekan Durojaye explores identity, resilience, human beauty and African ways of seeing through photography and digital art.
Aworan: African Lenses is a free solo exhibition featuring approximately 25 framed photographic and digital artworks by John Olalekan Durojaye, also known as John Lekan.
The Yoruba word Aworan means “image”. The exhibition brings together work exploring identity, cultural heritage, resilience and the quiet beauty found in people and everyday life.
Through portraiture, composed art and documentary photography, John Lekan presents African perspectives shaped by more than 12 years of travelling, observing and recording the people and places he has encountered.
The Leicester exhibition continues a creative conversation that began with his 2025 Aworan solo exhibition at the Atirira Gallery in Lagos, Nigeria. It introduces audiences in the United Kingdom to a collection rooted in African visual traditions while exploring themes that connect people across cultures.
John Lekan’s work encourages visitors to pause and look closely at the relationship between the individual and their surroundings. Each image offers a different perspective on beauty, strength, heritage and the human experience.
The exhibition is suitable for anyone interested in photography, contemporary art, African culture and new ways of seeing the world.
Entry is free, and no advance booking is required.
For enquiries, contact lex4john@gmail.com.
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